You know that frantic, jazzy piano riff that kicks off 30 Rock? Or the earworm "Peeno Noir" from Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt? That’s Jeff Richmond. Most people just know him as Tina Fey’s husband—the short guy she’s often seen with on red carpets—but that’s honestly doing a massive disservice to the man. Jeff Richmond is the architect of a very specific, very hilarious sonic universe.
Without him, the comedies we’ve obsessed over for the last two decades would feel... quiet. Empty. Richmond doesn't just write background music; he builds the jokes into the melody. If you’ve been scrolling through Netflix or Peacock lately looking for Jeff Richmond movies and tv shows, you’ve probably realized he’s involved in almost everything that makes you laugh.
He’s a composer, director, and producer who has been the "secret weapon" for Little Stranger, Inc. (Fey’s production company) since the beginning. From the halls of Saturday Night Live to the pink-hued chaos of the Mean Girls musical, his fingerprints are everywhere.
The 30 Rock Era and the Birth of a Style
Before he was winning Emmys, Jeff Richmond was the musical director at The Second City in Chicago. That’s where he met Tina. It’s also where he learned how to use music to heighten a sketch. When 30 Rock launched in 2006, Richmond didn't just provide a score; he created a character. The music was fast, slightly neurotic, and very New York.
It wasn't just the theme song. Think about "Werewolf Bar Mitzvah." That’s a real song he wrote. He took a throwaway joke about Tracy Jordan (Tracy Morgan) having a spooky-scary bar mitzvah and turned it into a full-blown novelty hit.
Then there’s "Muffin Top."
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Richmond has this weird, brilliant ability to write songs that sound exactly like real pop hits from 2006, but with lyrics that are 100% insane. He’s the reason Jenna Maroney’s career felt so vividly pathetic yet strangely plausible. He eventually moved from just composing to directing episodes like "The Tuxedo Begins" and "Hogcock!" He understands the rhythm of the edit because he understands the rhythm of the music.
Beyond 30 Rock: Netflix and the "Kimmy" Sound
When Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt landed on Netflix, Richmond faced a different challenge. The show was bright, cartoonish, and weirdly dark. The theme song—a parody of those viral "auto-tuned news" videos like "Bed Intruder Song"—became an instant classic.
"They alive, dammit! It's a miracle!"
That refrain was stuck in everyone's head for five years. But look closer at the Jeff Richmond movies and tv shows filmography during this time. He wasn't just doing the music; he was an Executive Producer. He was helping shape the entire vibe of the show.
He also scored the interactive special Kimmy vs. the Reverend in 2020. Writing music for a "choose your own adventure" show is a nightmare. You have to write loops that don't get annoying while the viewer decides if Kimmy should marry the prince or go to the gym. He pulled it off.
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The Mean Girls Evolution: From Screen to Stage (and Back)
Most people forget that Jeff Richmond did the score for the original 2004 Mean Girls movie. But his biggest contribution to the franchise came later. He spent years collaborating with lyricist Nell Benjamin to turn the movie into a Broadway musical.
Writing for Broadway is a different beast than writing for a 22-minute sitcom. You need "I Want" songs. You need "Act 1 Finales." Richmond’s score for the stage version of Mean Girls earned him a Tony nomination.
Then, in 2024, the cycle completed itself. He worked on the movie adaptation of the musical. He had to take songs designed for a massive theater and "pop them up" for a modern cinema audience. It’s a weirdly specific niche, and he’s basically the only person doing it at this level.
Essential Jeff Richmond Filmography (The "Must-Watch" List)
If you’re trying to track his career, don't just look for his name in the acting credits (though he does show up as "Alfonso the pianist" in 30 Rock). Look at the "Music by" and "Executive Producer" titles:
- 30 Rock (2006–2013): Composer, Producer, Director. The blueprint for his entire career.
- Baby Mama (2008): His first major film score.
- Sisters (2015): He served as Executive Producer on this Amy Poehler/Tina Fey team-up.
- Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2015–2020): Composer and Executive Producer.
- Girls5eva (2021–Present): This is where he really goes off. Since the show is about a 90s girl group, he gets to write dozens of parody songs that are actually good. "BPE" and "New York Lonely Boy" are standout examples.
- Mr. Mayor (2021–2022): He composed the score for this Ted Danson vehicle.
- Mulligan (2023): An animated series where he provides the music for a post-apocalyptic world.
- The Four Seasons (2025/2026): His latest big project with Netflix, reimagining the 1981 Alan Alda film.
Why Girls5eva is His Masterpiece
Honestly? Girls5eva might be the best use of his talents yet. Working with showrunner Meredith Scardino, Richmond creates songs that are funny because they are too accurate.
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He captures the specific "over-produced" sound of Max Martin-era pop but adds lyrics about middle-age problems or being a "one-hit wonder." He’s working with vocal powerhouses like Sara Bareilles and Renée Elise Goldsberry. He isn't just writing jokes; he’s writing legitimate arrangements that these Broadway stars can actually sink their teeth into.
The Current Landscape: What’s Next in 2026?
As of early 2026, Richmond is heavily involved in The Four Seasons for Netflix. This is a big deal. It’s another collaboration with Tina Fey and Steve Carell. Expect the music to be sophisticated, probably a bit more mature than "Muffin Top," but with that same signature Richmond wit.
He’s also continuing to oversee the various global productions of the Mean Girls musical. The show opened in London’s West End recently, and he’s been there making sure the sound translates to a British audience.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Creators
If you’re a fan of comedy, or a creator looking to see how music elevates a story, there are a few things you can learn from Jeff Richmond’s career:
- Collaborate with the same tribe: Richmond’s success is inextricably linked to his long-term partnership with Tina Fey and Robert Carlock. Find your people and stick with them.
- Music is a punchline: Don't treat a score like an afterthought. In Richmond's world, a well-timed brass sting is just as important as a line of dialogue.
- Genre mastery: To parody something (like 90s pop or 70s jazz), you have to actually be able to write it well. Richmond’s parodies work because they are technically proficient.
To truly appreciate Jeff Richmond movies and tv shows, you have to listen as much as you watch. Next time you're re-watching 30 Rock, pay attention to the incidental music between scenes. It’s never just random filler. It’s a curated vibe that has defined modern TV comedy for twenty years.
For your next steps, I recommend heading over to Spotify or Apple Music to find the Girls5eva soundtracks. Listening to "New York Lonely Boy" without the visuals allows you to hear the incredible Simon & Garfunkel-style production value Richmond brings to even the silliest premises. After that, keep an eye on Netflix for The Four Seasons to see how his style continues to evolve in 2026.